Axially Split Center Member for Disc Pack Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Close coupled disc pack couplings face difficulties in compressing disc packs to remove the center member due to minimal space between shafts, making tool access and disassembly complicated.
Innovation Solution
The design includes axially compressible disc packs with assembly/disassembly holes in the center member and end adapters for screw insertion, and a radially extending flange pilot to retain the center member, allowing for easy compression and removal of the center member by using screws or rigid objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the disc packs are compressed axially to disengage the hub assemblies from the center member, then the center member can be removed, but the removal process becomes complicated due to minimal spacing between shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The center member is axially split into at least two pieces, allowing it to be removed in segments rather than as a single unit. This segmentation enables removal without requiring complete disassembly of the hub assemblies from the shafts, simplifying the overall removal process while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Assembly/disassembly holes are provided in the end adapters rather than only in the center member, creating additional access pathways for compression tools. This dimensional change in access points allows tools to engage the disc packs from alternative directions, facilitating compression and center member removal despite minimal spacing between shafts.
2Ease of operation
If tools or clamps are fitted between the hub assemblies to compress the disc packs, then the center member can be removed, but the minimal spacing between shafts increases the difficulty of fitting these tools
Solution Approach 1:
Assembly/disassembly holes are provided in the end adapters rather than only in the center member, creating additional access pathways for compression tools. This dimensional change in access points allows tools to engage the disc packs from alternative directions, facilitating compression and center member removal despite minimal spacing between shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The end adapters serve as intermediary structures that facilitate tool access to the disc packs. By providing threaded holes in the end adapters, the design creates an intermediate access point that mediates between the external tool and the disc pack, enabling compression without requiring direct access between the tightly spaced shafts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the center member is made axially split into at least two pieces, then the center member can be removed without completely removing the hub assembly from the shaft, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The center member is axially split into at least two pieces, allowing it to be removed in segments rather than as a single unit. This segmentation enables removal without requiring complete disassembly of the hub assemblies from the shafts, simplifying the overall removal process while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A disc pack coupling for transmitting torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis includes a first hub assembly, a second hub assembly, and a center member extending between the first and second hub assemblies. Each hub assembly includes an axially compressible disc pack interposed between a hub and an end adapter. The center member has opposing ends, and is axially split into at least two pieces. A flange extending radially from each of the center member ends includes a assembly/disassembly hole formed between two of the at least two pieces.